Leadership matters but systems matter more

Debunking the Myth: "The Philippines Only Thrived Under Duterte" — and Why We Need Systemic Reform

A common myth keeps going around on the internet: that the Philippines was poor under Cory Aquino until Noynoy Aquino, and only under President Rodrigo Duterte did real change actually start. Its proponents point to gigantic allocations for infrastructure, free college tuition, and increased pensions as proof that "it was all possible—so why wasn't it done before?"

It sounds good at face value. But let's look at the historical realities, economic indicators, and structural framework to see what actually transpired—and why it's not so much about a single leader, but a deeper flawed system which keeps the Philippines in check irrespective of who is holding office.

Photo: LBB Online

1. The country was poor from Cory to Noynoy. – FALSE

Upon taking office in 1986, President Cory Aquino was left with a ruined economy from the Marcos regime—a debt of more than $26 billion, widespread crony capitalism, and debased democratic institutions. Her six-year term was focused on institutional reconstruction, ratifying the 1987 Constitution, reinstalling democracy but also installing restrictions still debated today.

Economic Growth:

• Fidel Ramos (1992–1998): Spurred reforms and deregulation; growth was averaged at 5%.
• Gloria Arroyo (2001–2010): Attained robust growth (4.5% average) despite worldwide crises.
• Noynoy Aquino (2010–2016): Provided 6.2% average GDP growth, investment-grade credit ratings, and enhanced global economic rankings.

FACT: Between 1986 and 2016, the Philippines was making steady gains. The notion that "nothing happened for 30 years" is contrary to facts.

2. There was no funding during PNoy's time. – MISLEADING

Noynoy Aquino's administration was known for fiscal discipline, aiming to reduce debt and corruption. Many of Duterte’s programs were made possible due to the healthy economy and stable reserves left by PNoy.

Major initiatives under PNoy:

• Sin Tax Reform (2012): Funded healthcare expansion
• K-12 Education Reform
• Infrastructure budget rose from 1.8% to 5.4% of GDP
• Social and education spending significantly increased

FACT: The Duterte administration built on these gains, not created them from scratch.

3. Duterte accomplished more than anyone else. – EXAGGERATED

Duterte did initiate important projects, such as Build, Build, Build, but most of these were continuations or renamed versions of initiatives initiated under past presidents:

• NAIA Expressway and MRT-7: Initiated under PNoy
• Clark Green City: Conceived under Arroyo
• Universal Health Care: Foundation laid by PNoy's PhilHealth reforms
• And while Duterte ramped up spending:
• The Philippine debt ballooned to over P13.7 trillion
• Only 12 of the 119 Build, Build, Build projects were finished by 2022
• Pharmally corruption scandal revealed lack of transparency

FACT: Mega budgets and boisterous policies do not always translate to mega impact.

4. "Everything was free under Duterte." – MISREPRESENTED

Most programs were not new:

• Free college tuition: Suggested long before Duterte; written by Bam Aquino
• Land distribution: Initiated with Cory Aquino's CARP in 1988
• Healthcare and veterans' pensions: Expanded but not created under Duterte

FACT: These weren’t Duterte’s sole achievements—they were part of a larger, decades-long effort by various administrations, lawmakers, and civil society.

5. LPs were just corrupt, and Duterte stopped them. – BASELESS AND DIVISIVE

Corruption has occurred under all administrations. Duterte’s term faced:

• Pharmally scandal (P10B in pandemic supplies)
• Intelligence funds with no audit
• Drug war abuses with minimal accountability

FACT: Good governance requires checks and balances, not blind allegiance to any one party or figure.

6. The Real Issue: A Flawed and Archaic System

While arguments storm about who "did more," the underlying problem is still left untouched: the 1987 Constitution, composed during an atmosphere of fear and change during the period after Martial Law, has become antiquated and structurally defective.

Primary Defects of the Present System:

• Excessive concentration of power in "Imperial Manila"
• Limitations on foreign direct investment (FDI) dissuade job creation
• Weakened political party system – personality over platforms
• Obstacles to regional progress and federalism
• Bureaucratic and slow legislation and justice system

Other ASEAN Countries Reformed:

• Singapore reformed early and is now the model of governance
• Malaysia and Thailand reformed constitutions for better governance
• Vietnam, being communist, opened up its economy and emerged as one of Asia's fastest-growing markets

The Philippines, on the other hand, is mired with a hyper-presidential, unitary system which renders true progress in slow, uneven, and unsustainable terms.

7. We Need Constitutional Reform—Not Just a New President

The fact is, even if you choose the most effective leader, if the system is flawed, improvement will always be constrained.

What we need:

• Transition to federalism or parliamentary system for local empowerment
• Economic Charter Change to entice more investments and employment
• Strengthening of political parties and anti-dynasty measures
• Decentralization of government services and funds

FACT: The Constitution should empower the country, not chain it.

Conclusion: Leadership Matters—But Systems Matter More

Rodrigo Duterte also had his part to play, but it's not true that he single-handedly changed the nation or that nobody contributed. Each administration has built on the previous one. Genuine change will not come from allegiance to any personality—it will come from structural change that will bring sustainable, inclusive growth for all Filipinos.

Until we update the old 1987 Constitution, we will just keep on electing leaders with grand ideas only to see them trapped in a slow, imperfect system.

Let's stop squabbling about personalities. Let's begin repairing the system.

Sources:

• World Bank Philippines Data: https://data.worldbank.org/country/philippines
• Rappler Fact-Check: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check
• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA): https://psa.gov.ph
• NEDA Public Policy Briefs
• Senate and House Legislative Archives
• Asian Development Bank Reports
• "Why Charter Change Is Essential" – UP School of Economics Discussion Paper
• Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)